: I've been researching Nick's surf boat a bit. Any update from
: builders/paddlers? Malcolm Schweitzer: did you ever build one?
: (Saw your post from '09.)

: Thanks!

: --Scott

: http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/guillemot/node/64/view
: http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=2455

I built one in five days minus finish sanding and paint. Be patient with the nose. Two of the five days spent building were concentrated on the nose. It doesnt want to stay where its supposed to and would like to twist a bit. Its very doable. Just be patient.

I placed a cedar block in the nose and thickened the end pour with lots and lots milled fiber. The tail, probably the most interesting part of the boat, received that same treatment minus the block of cedar. The boat will take a lot of abuse until you become skilled at surfing so beef it at the ends a bit but keep things light too. The boat surfs well without fins so unless you really have a hankering to add them just get it on the water.

The concave portion of the forward hull keeps you locked on the wave in a sense. It fades flat to the stern. I have no idea how Nick engineered this shape into the design. Its very important yet it just happens like magic as you stitch the parts together. I will gush for just a moment and call this nothing short of genius.

Like all short surf kayaks in short period conditions (waves close together) it takes some persistence to get outside but its worth it. The boat carves well and turns easily. It almost feels as if you have small fins. Its a nice design that is a good entry point into an activity that is very addictive.

Dont be afraid to paint this surf boat. Surfers are a colorful lot and demand attention. My deck is turquoise and the hull bright varnish. Its a good visual fit. The secretaries and librarians on vacation will be drawn to the boat. Its as good as a Harley in that way. Be prepared.